A person familiar with HBO's response to the attack told Reuters that the company sent the email "as a stall tactic" and had never meant to make the $250,000 payment or pay the full $6 million the hackers had demanded to hold off going public with data stolen from HBO.

Assuming that HBO can have its account verified within a week, it will take additional time for the cash to clear and to receive bitcoin with a Coinbase wallet.

Variety says the email may have been a stalling tactic, as the email was sent in late July before HBO had fully assessed the extent of the hack.

John Beyler, the HBO executive emailed thanking the hackers for "making them aware" of their weak security. They have since posted scripts from several "Game of Thrones" episodes, including one that was unreleased, episodes of "Ballers" and "Room 104", and a month's worth of emails appearing to be from Leslie Cohen, HBO's vice president for film programming. A few days after HBO sent the note, the hackers went to the media with details of the breach.

"Game of Thrones" episode 4 was leaked online before its release on the Indian streaming app Hotstar.

The hack follows attacks on Netflix, where a hacker demanded a ransom in exchange for not leaking episodes of Orange is the New Black. The hacker claimed to make $12 million to $15 million per year.

Hackers continue to pester HBO but have not released any material related to the network's hit show Game of Thrones in their latest leak. The network said: "In the spirit of professional cooperation, we are asking you to extend your deadline for one week". But rather than offering up the sum as a ransom payment, HBO refers to the money as a "bug bounty payment".

Thus far, companies have largely declined to negotiate with hackers, in part for fear of setting a precedent of paying them off.

Among other series leaked by the hacker included the latest episode of HBO comedy "Insecure", which was to have premiered tonight.

Recommended News

In response, North Korea announced a detailed plan to fire ballistic missiles towards Guam, a USA territory in the Pacific. He said the US has a "pretty good idea" of North Korea's intentions, but Pompeo declined to provide specifics.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 4.19 points, or 0.18 percent, to 2,364.20 in the first 15 minutes of trading. The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) edged up 0.1% last month after staying flat in June and falling by 0.1% in May.

The driver suspected of plowing his auto into counter-protesters in Charlottesville , Virginia , on Saturday is in police custody. Among the deaths, two police officers watching over the protests died in a helicopter crash . "It has no place in America".

Jenas believes that City are favourites but that they must win something with the quality that they have got. After the match, Guardiola spoke about Manchester City's preparation and performance in Saturday's win.

The chief prosecutor for the Sicilian port city of Catania, Carmelo Zuccaro, announced an investigation on April 25. MSF's decision to halt its rescue operations was part of this positive process, he told the newspaper La Stampa .

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly may be considering more organizational and personnel changes for the West Wing. After all, in just the two weeks that Kelly has been in the White House, Bannon has seen his influence dwindle.

Chelsea is expected to make a second bid for Leicester City midfielder, Danny Drinkwater , in the coming week. However, the England global is reportedly not concerned and is keen to test himself at Stamford Bridge.

I want to add to that and be an England goalkeeper playing for West Ham , I really do, and that's my intention". For the first time since May of a year ago , Joe Hart will taste Premier League action this weekend.

Veteran batsman Yuvraj Singh has been left out of India's squad for the upcoming limited-overs games in Sri Lanka. RohitSharma, who was rested for the West Indies series, returns and will be the vice-captain of the side.

Follow Us!

Join The Conversation

We are pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news.
Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper.
Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

Markets slide, dollar slumps as North Korea fears spike
European stock markets fell further in opening trade on Friday on intensifying fears over North Korea, dealers said. USA crude fell 0.41 percent to $48.39 per barrel and Brent was last at $51.68, down 0.42 percent on the day.

Who Is Going To Win The English Premier League?
The post Wenger Hails Giroud's Impact, Arsenal Character In Comeback Win Vs Leicester appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria . Pushed on whether he thought Giroud could leave before the transfer window closes on August 31, Wenger replied: "No".

Arsenal without Sanchez for season opener
Craig Shakespeare's side boasted numerous players, and characteristics, that saw them shock the world to win the title in 2015/16. Holding is a great prospect but he had one of those games where he struggled against the threat of Jamie Vardy and Okazaki.

Chelsea boss Conte: You can't judge Jeremie Boga on that
Burnley boss Dyche, meanwhile, could turn to Jack Cork , Jonathan Walters and Phil Bardsley , all of whom are recent arrivals. Do you something awesome to share with the world? Watford captain Troy Deeney is expected to be fit for the game.